After a prolonged break, although no scheduled game, the team happily agreed to travel to Blaenau for our first match of 2015 to help to catch up with the missed games.
Having hoped for a possible group of 10, on meeting before travelling we realised we were already 1 light, and on arrival at Blaenau, and as we suspected, the 9th player failed to materialise.
With all due credit to this group of young players, they knew that they would in all probability be playing a few players short, and they were still keen to play, knowing full well they would be up against it for a minimum 70 minutes with no back up or rest.
Blaenau proved to be a very sporting team, agreeing to reduce the players on their team to allow our players the chance to play the game. As they are fully entitled to play the full 11 against us, and having a very big squad wishing to play, this came as a pleasant and refreshing change, especially in light of recent events.
Jim kindly agreed to start as goalie, supported by Jordan, Tash and Oliver in defence, with Brian and Joseph taking a supporting role behind Nat, and Reece up front. The team-mates were willing to change roles and positions without question when appropriate, there were no complaints and a lot of support and encouragement for each other throughout the match. It was very pleasing to see the football we have encouraged them to play successfully in training being played on the field today, with some lovely wall passes, quick passing, one touch play, through balls down the wings and total commitment and support for each other even when the goals went in against us. Blaenau play a more physical game than us, (our players will know about it tomorrow) and have a number of very talented players, but we were not afraid to confront them, and matching them for pace much of the time even though they had many fresh legs to use and we didn`t. A free kick awarded yards outside the box was superbly taken by Brian, lifting it over the wall, dipping into the top of the goal, which the goalie attempted to stop, but was just too good! Jordan had been encouraged forward to use his pace and skill down the wing, with Reece swapping positions, proving a very able defender. Jim made some important saves with Tash and Oli many crucial interceptions, starting some lovely periods of passing and possession. Joseph was a constant presence when Blaenau surged forward proving a thorn in their side, we thought he had a great game throughout. Brian was a solid provider in the centre, with a reliable and committed Nat in support, earning a ball full in the face for his commitment. Half time 7-1, Oli and Jim swapped, Joseph moved back for a period with Jordan and Reece working together up front, resulting in a very strong and committed sprint down the wing from Jordan and a solid strike hitting just inside the crossbar, proving to be our 2nd goal, and Jordan`s first match goal, well done and very well deserved. Another Blaenau visit into our half resulted in Nat getting in the path of another shot on goal, using his chest close to the strike and getting a severe winding and struggling for a few minutes but refusing to leave the pitch. Reece was also in the wars, having to leave the pitch injured, but swapping into goal quickly when the opportunity arose so that he was still able to contribute very effectively. Tash Oliver and Jim continued to disrupt Blaenau`s run of play,and Brian, Joseph, Nat and Jordan continued their work from the first half. Towards the end of the game Oliver stopped another goal on the line as an effective defender, and Reece made a very brave save close up, and saving the three immediate follow up attempts while still on the floor, having attacking feet very close to his face. What a star! The ball eventually being manoeuvred out of danger by Jim.
Although the score proved to be a very comfortable win for Blaenau, the spirit, manner and atmosphere in which it was played was excellent and we would like to thank Blaenau management and players for this. Looking across the pitch towards the end of the game, we noted the ruddy cheeks and hints of smiles and exhilaration on our players and were very proud. This team did not look unhappy, maybe a little battle worn, but certainly not unhappy!!
We would like to thank our players and commend them, for continuing to play good football throughout the match despite being players short, changing positions when required without complaint, never giving in, and the support and encouragement they gave each other until the final whistle. Well played.
We applaud you.
Team: Jim Griffiths, Tash Matthews, Oliver Wilde, Jordan Tyrrell, Brian Thomas, Joseph Gould, Nat Davies, Reece Owen.
Mom (glad we didn`t have to choose-all good) awarded to Brian
Goals: Brian and Jordan

U16s

General Information

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